FAZIA: A Versatile Detection System for EoS Studies

Abstract

In this paper, we describe the main results obtained by the FAZIA Collaboration during its R&D phase devoted to the design of a versatile and modular detector array, meant for a possible 4π angular coverage, necessary for studies of heavy-ion collisions with radioactive nuclear beams. The basic module of the array and the solutions devised to get its final performances are described. The obtained improvements with respect to existing detectors are due to a better understanding of the involved detection mechanisms, to the technical solutions introduced accordingly on the detector material and construction, and to the purposely developed digital techniques for Pulse Shape Analysis. Finally, a significant effort has been dedicated to the Front End Electronics (FEE) and Data Acquisition and Transfer (DAQ). The FAZIA Demonstrator, i.e. the first working array composed by the FAZIA basic modules, is now in operation. After its commissioning at LNS, it will be coupled next year with INDRA detector for a physics campaign at GANIL.